Laurie and Roger are thrilled to be part of our Coral Springs community for 22 years, where they have raised two sons, Kai, 19, and Kobi, 16. Passionate about soccer… Every member of the family is involved in a very big way!
Soccer Company business owners, RLC (soccer club management company) manages all operations of the Parkland Soccer Club (travel) located in the City of Parkland and the Springs Soccer Club. Their Soccer Academy and Training (SAT), is a supplemental soccer training and futsal company; they also do Summer Camps at the City of Parkland.
Both Laurie and Roger hold their United States Soccer Federation (USSF) ‘A’ coaching license and Roger recently completed his United States Soccer Federation (USSF) Academy Directors License. Laurie was recently the assistant coach with the Jamaican Women’s National Soccer Team (Reggae Girlz) First Team. The Reggae Girlz qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup which will take place in Australia and New Zealand next year. Laurie says, “Both of us are coaches and Club Directors for 22 years. We are both really passionate about using the demands and stress of our sport to elevate and creating opportunities for young people to reach their potential both on and off the field.” It should be noted that more than twenty players who grew up playing with Coach Roger in this community have gone on to play professional soccer, they are current players in the MLS and abroad, and many have also been selected for their National Teams.
Both brothers are professional soccer players. Kai plays for FC Cincinnati Major League Soccer. He is a Center Back.and is on good track to be one of their next home grown signings. Kobi plays for the MLS club InterMiami. He’s a creative midfield player and has excellent technical skill. Kobi recently made the Jamaica U20 National Team (Reggae Boys); where he competed in the CONCACAF U20 Championship which was held in Honduras in June and July. Kobi was recently selected for the Major League Soccer (MLS) All Star Team; he was 1 of only 44 players throughout the country to be chosen. He will begin the MLS All-Star competition in early August.
Both Kai and Kobi have grown up at the soccer fields in Parkland and Coral Springs. They both volunteer their time and give back to the community soccer players. They both love to work with players and teach them skills, share their experiences, and inspire our younger generations. You will find the younger club players attending the InterMiami CF games supporting Kobi at his games with cheering and signs. It makes a great community connection as both boys grew up being coached by Roger at the fundamental stages of their career; in Parkland; which set an incredible foundation.
When they were coming up, both brothers attended Park Trails Elementary School and West Glades Middle School; both transferred to on-line Florida Virtual High School; Kobi is going into his Junior year; his favorite subject is English. Kai goes to Broward College online and his favorite subject is Public Speaking. Both Kai and Kobi love to go Bass Fishing, a hobby that they learned very young from their Papa!
When it comes to family time, the Thomases are ready to travel! Roger says, “We enjoy Family vacations to Jamaica every summer! Jamaica vacations are the best…..beautiful, mountains, beaches, rivers, good food, meeting up with family dinners and family board games. We love spending quality family time sharing stories at Thanksgiving and Christmas time.”
Despite their passion for Jamaica, Laurie makes sure to let us know how much they enjoy Coral Springs and Parkland. “There is a lot to enjoy about our cities. Great place to raise a family, great schools, amazing parks. Our cities are diverse and inclusive. We live in a community of excellence, for sure.”
The Thomas family enjoys attending services at Church by the Glades.